Where We Belong: A Novel

Hardcover | July 24, 2012

The author of five blockbuster novels, Emily Giffin, delivers an unforgettable story of two women, the families that make them who they are, and the longing, loyalty and love that binds them together

Marian Caldwell is a thirty-six year old television producer, living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and satisfying relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door . . . only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had sealed off forever. From the moment Kirby appears on her doorstep, Marian's perfectly constructed world-and her very identity-will be shaken to its core, resurrecting ghosts and memories of a passionate young love affair that threaten everything that has come to define her.

For the precocious and determined Kirby, the encounter will spur a process of discovery that ushers her across the threshold of adulthood, forcing her to re-evaluate her family and future in a wise and bittersweet light. As the two women embark on a journey to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves-a place that we may have willed ourselves to forget, but that the heart remembers forever.

The author of five blockbuster novels, Emily Giffin, delivers an unforgettable story of two women, the families that make them who they are, and the longing, loyalty and love that binds them togetherMarian Caldwell is a thirty-six year old television producer, living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and satisfying r...

EMILY GIFFIN is The New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed; Something Blue; Baby Proof; Love The One You're With and Heart of The Matter. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and three young children.

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Reviews

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Amanda from
Where we BelongI actually enjoyed this novel! the story was really interesting, the characters were likable and I found I wanted to know more. The ending felt too abrupt and I wish there was more to it, but it was a good easy read. #plumreview

Date published: 2016-11-25

Rated 2 out of
5 by
Cristina from
Where We BelongI read through this book rather quickly because I just wanted it to be over. It was not enjoyable. Not one of her better books.

Date published: 2016-11-15

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Robin from
Standard Emily GiffinChecked out of the library for some much needed escapism. A story about a rough around the edges teenager meeting her biological parents, also told from the bio mother's POV. Nothing too earth shattering, but a smooth, easy read. The characters were all likeable but believably flawed. I wouldn't discourage anyone reading this one. #plumreview

Date published: 2016-11-08

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Amelie from
Loved it!Easy and quick to read! Loved all the books in this series

Date published: 2016-11-07

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Vralph from
EnjoyableThoroughly enjoyed this read and the storyline.

Date published: 2016-11-05

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Mary stirling from
Where we belongI completely enjoyed this book along with all of her other books. Didn't want them to end. Also, I liked how a few of them carrred the characters to the next book. Wish there were more to read.

Date published: 2015-07-04

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Ericka from
Where we belongGreat book! Made me cry many times. A wonderful story on past mistakes and how there can still be beauty in the future.

Date published: 2015-01-23

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Jenkins from
Where We BelongAn okay read. My least favourite Emily Giffin book.

Date published: 2014-11-09

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Caroline from
Awesome!I read this book last year during a trip from NB to QC by car and was able to finish the whole book by the time I had reached my destination. Not because I had about 9 hours with nothing to do, but because I couldn't put the book down! I LOVE the way it's written and it has inspired me to read all of her other books which were also great! Can't wait for the next one!!!! :)

Date published: 2014-06-19

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Lisa D from
Awesome!Great book! Easy read couldn't put it down near the end :)

Date published: 2014-02-02

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Sam from
Awesome!I'll read anything of hers, but this was one of my faves. Beautiful story, loved the characters and hope there's a movie and-or a sequel soon! Very easy fast read :-)

Date published: 2014-02-01

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Linda from
Where We BelongEmily Giffin at her best. A situation I am sure a lot of people have nagging at them....what do you do when that knock comes at your door. Done well...enjoyed immensely.

Date published: 2014-01-26

Rated 4 out of
5 by
gandjsav from
Where We BelongThis was a great read. Easy to like characters with a storyline that flows easily. A must read

Date published: 2014-01-23

Rated 4 out of
5 by
xoxobeck from
Great read.I have read all of Emily Giffin's books. I love that the characters in each book have some kind of relationship with another character from her other books. While this book is not my favorite from her, you wont be disappointed if you are after a nice light read. Can't wait for more books from this author.

Date published: 2014-01-18

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Carmen from
Easy read..!"Where we belong" by Emily Giffin is a well written story about two women. On one side, Marian's life is seemingly perfect. She is a 36 year old successful television producer in New York and dating the perfect man. But her perfect world is turned upside down when her biggest secret, an unplanned child she gave up for adoption 18 years ago, shows up at her door. On the other side, Kirby is understandably dealing with the "Why don't I fit in?" "Where do I come from?" "What do I want to do with my life?" questions that you'd expect from an adopted teenager. Kirby's appearance makes Marian question her own life, her past choices and whether her present happiness is real or surreal. Alternating between Marian and Kirby’s points of view, it’s easy to get pulled into the story. As a reader I felt and understood the emotions of both main characters but I felt a little disappointed with the ending, I like knowing instead of speculating, an epilogue would've being great. Overall I liked the book and I do recommend because it is an easy read.

Date published: 2013-10-08

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Tara from
I want more.Amazing book. I didn't want it to end and wish it woukd have kept going. The characters are easy to relate to and you fall in love with them all. I really hope there is a sequel.

Date published: 2013-09-30

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Paige_Turnor from
EntertainingMarian Caldwell, New York producer of a hit show, thinks that her life is just about perfect. Great boyfriend, great career, and beautiful East Side apartment. And then one day, the past stands before her in the form of Kirby, her biggest secret, an unplanned child she gave up for adoption 18 years ago. As the perfect life Marian created starts to shatter, she gets to know her daughter, and confronts her past, which she has pushed away for years. The back story of Marian's past and what lead to Kirby is woven in with the story and Marian and Kirby getting to know each other and try to figure out where they fit into each other lives and really where they want to go with their own lives now. The chapters her alternate in voices from Marian to Kirby's, with sections woven in of Marian at 18. The information is given to the reader as we need it and the characters remember, having the reader piece the present and past together and see how they relate to each other. Finally, the novel addresses the important question of Kirby’s birth father, Conrad Knight. Marion lied to Conrad about her pregnancy; and while he is delighted to meet Kirby, who shares his talent and passion for music, he is rightfully angry with Marion, who never told him about the existence of his only child. The interplay of the families involved - Marion and her mother and father and Peter Standish, Kirby and her mother, father, and sister, and Conrad Knight - is highly entertaining and realistic. And Marion’s transformation by her decision to tell Conrad the truth leaves room for yet another novel about these lovable and interesting families. The book got better and better progressively and the highlight was probably when Marian saw Kirby and Conrad together in the bar, playing the drums like it was all meant to be. That was probably the turning point of Marian's character development and it's from there that we start to see the subtle shift in her priorities and her needs. A compelling read, this book is an improvement on her other novels Heart of the Matter, Love the One You're With and Baby Proof, but perhaps doesn't live up to the first two in the series, Something Borrowed and Something Blue. Still, the plot moves along fairly quickly and all in all, it's a fast read.

Date published: 2013-08-27

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Christena from
Enjoyed it!It was a good entertaining read

Date published: 2013-04-20

Rated 2 out of
5 by
bbqsarah from
MehI have read all of Emily Giffin's books and this is by far my least favorite.

Date published: 2013-03-30

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Angie from
Where We BelongI loved this book. Every time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to start reading again. Captivating. Great personalization in the characters.

Date published: 2013-02-10

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Dreamer from
One of my favourite authorsBeautifully written! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy knowing that I too am exactly where I belong.

Date published: 2013-01-24

Rated 3 out of
5 by
easypeasy from
Nice, light readI think I've read all of Emily Giffin's books. They are reliable if predictable. It was a great book to read over the Christmas holidays, especially when you've given up sugar. It's a light confection, one that you will mow through quickly and it will promptly leave your brain. I got a Kobo for Christmas and I downloaded the ebook version of this one, which was perfect because I know I won't ever read it again. I would recommend this if you want to read something that requires very little of you.

Date published: 2013-01-03

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Erna from
Great bookBook was good, only part I didn't really care for was the ending. Expected a little more. But overall was a good read.

Date published: 2012-12-27

Rated 3 out of
5 by
margaret_majewski from
Touching StoryI really enjoyed "Where we Belong" because once again, it was an easy read yet with enough depth to keep you interested. You really get in touch with each of the main characters (which I like because it connects you more to the story), however, I felt as if the ending didn't do justice. I expected more.

Date published: 2012-09-19

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Bev_Andersen from
Loved itThis is the first book I've read by Emily Giffin. I loved it. If this is her usual writing style, I'll be buying more books by this author. I lent this book to a friend and she read it in 3 days. She was surprised by the ending as was I.

Date published: 2012-09-03

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Crista from
Good, but not greatI generally enjoy Emily Giffin's books as nice fluffy escapes. This one didn't quite live up to my expectations. It was good, and I enjoyed the writing style per usual, but the storyline wasn't as engaging as I would have liked. It was pretty predictable, and while the story of an adopted child seeking out her birth parents is dramatic, the plot fell a bit flat. I enjoyed it enough to see how it ended (and was glad the ending wasn't as predictable as the balance of the book). Good enough but I'm not raving.

Date published: 2012-08-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Kate_Campbell from
Well worth the wait....I love all of Emily Giffin's novels for her writing style and method to keep you reading, this book I could not put down and read it in 3 days. I waited a month or so for it to come out and must say it was well worth the wait. It is a great storyline one in fact that is very real for a lot of people & although this particular topic is foreign to me I enjoyed going thru the emotions of the characters while they journeyed thru this amazing story. I love the writing style of Emily Giffin and have to say if you are looking for a great read that you can't put down until you absolutely have to - then buy this one it is a great read. Happy reading!

Date published: 2012-08-20

Rated 1 out of
5 by
Alex from
Not ConvincedI was more excited waiting for the release of Where We Belong than I was with the actual book. I loved all of Emily Giffin’s other novels, but this one just let me down. It’s like it didn’t matter that this story, and the characters in it, had no substance because she could coast on the success of her last books. I really didn’t like Kirby’s perspective. I think that Giffin gave no thought to her character and just used a convenient cliché. There was no depth to her. She was adopted, confused about who she was, and rebellious. That’s it. Oh, and she played the drums, because what rebel doesn’t play an instrument? I also think that her voice was too juvenile for eighteen years old. I get the impression that Giffin wanted to pop out a book as fast as she could, and thought it was easiest to write a teenager. The other people in the book weren’t all that better. The problem is that all of those little complexities that make a person who they are weren’t there. Instead of personalities the characters were just titles; producer, teenager, musician. Not only was I upset with the characters, but I did not appreciate their actions either. Kirby could’ve had a little more tact when she was meeting her parents. The way she forced herself into these complete stranger’s lives was a little inappropriate for her age. She should know better. But Marian’s reaction to Kirby was worse. It was ridiculous. What kind of person would act as she did upon meeting their own flesh and blood? *SPOILER* The love story between Marian and Conrad was kind of cute, but nothing happens between them. I do understand that it’s supposed to be the story of Marian and Kirby. However, since their story was so superficial and emotionless, I figured there would at least be the relationship between the biological parents to supplement the book. In the end, I thought Where We Belong was a flop. It was a promising idea, but wasn’t done well. I don’t recommend this book.

Date published: 2012-08-11

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Amanda_Pedulla from
Best One Yet!!Like any of Emily Giffin's books she makes her readers fall in love with the characters. Written in both Marian and Kirby's point of views, it gave us a better view of each character and their reaction to discovering each other and the secrets behind Kirby's adoption. I just fell in love with the entire book. I have read all of Emily's books and this one does not disappoint because it was addicting and full of emotions and love between all the characters. I read this book in one day!! Its one book that you will not be able to put down! The plot was great!! I loved the point of views from both Marian and Kirby because as a reader we see the past, future and what they are both up to after the adoption. Each of the characters were amazing to read about because many people can connect with Emily's writing. I even loved how she showed how Marian and Conrad met on that fateful night as well as falling in love during that great summer as well as discovering the truth of family, as well as finding pieces of yourself showing up on your doorstep. As the story went on the development of each character evolved as they got to know each other better. I really liked Conrad because he was one of those bad boys who is Marian's real true love and despite what was happening Marian did make a choice with her situation (not telling) and then meeting him in the book once Kirby sees him is the most rewarding to read about. Kirby is a character many can relate too because as young adults we go through the stages. Her own story is remarkable and her meeting Marian really changes her life because compared to her life at her "family" she never felt that she belonged and related to, but she is a smart, talented girl who would later discover who she is and where she belongs. Marian life has changed ever since meeting her daughter who she gave up for adoption and when these two women meet each other they develop a relationship and this is a different type of view compared to Emily Giffin past writing which makes this book shine! Where We Belong is one of the best books yet!! I am a big fan of Emily Giffin, because her writing is one of the best out there for those who love romance/contemporary in fiction. I could re-read this book over and over again because its soo memorable to go back and enjoy it again! I am looking forward to many more books by this fabulous author. I also love how she incorporate updates from her past books!! If you love Sophie Kinsella, Meg Cabot this book is for you!! You are missing out on this amazing book!! DEFINITELY A MUST READ!! + the cover is adorable.

Date published: 2012-07-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Kristilyn_@_Reading_In_Wi from
A wonderful read!It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Chick Lit books. I have shelves full of my favourite authors, like Sophie Kinsella, Jennifer Weiner, Gemma Townley, and Emily Giffin — I adore them so much that when a new book comes out, I don’t even bother reading what it’s about, I just buy it. With Emily Giffin’s latest, I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy from the publisher, but I still had no clue what the book was about. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it really wasn’t the normal Chick Lit fare about a man and a woman falling in love, with cute things happening along the way. In fact, all of the love happens right in the beginning — 18 years ago — between a boy and a girl in high school. The result is 18-year-old Kirby, who shows up on Marian’s doorstep, starting a story about love, loss, secrets, and family. This was an amazing story! The entire book is narrated by the two main characters — Kirby and Marian. This works out very well and it was nice to go back to the past with both stories, seeing what led up to the creation of Kirby, and what led Kirby to seek out her birth mother. The result is a story that focuses on the choices we make, the people they hurt, and the decisions that we have to live with for the rest of our lives. Emily Giffin writes astounding characters. I loved Marian right off the bat, even her “highfalutin” lifestyle as a TV producer. It was nice to see that not everything was perfect for her and I liked how not all of her story was told right off the bat — instead, there are bits and pieces of her past told as the story goes on, putting plenty of twists and turns in front of the reader. The same goes for Kirby. I completely understood why Kirby did what she did — being a teenage girl, Kirby is awkward and unsure of where she fits in life. Being adopted, she wonders if she fits with her adopted family at all. I loved watching her grow as the novel went on, seeing her relationships change with her family and friends. The thing that really made this book work was how true to life it was. I’d like to think, though, that in real life the situation would be just slightly messier and not so well accepted, but Emily Giffin does a wonderful job of putting her readers into the minds of two people who are making (or who have made) huge decisions in their life — life-altering decisions. The other thing that made this book work — and it’s something Griffin has done in the past — is that the reader is able to get into the head of both characters, to see both sides of the story. With a story so delicate as one about adoption, seeing the different perspectives is crucial and Giffin pulls it off well. Where We Belong really is a beautiful read and probably one of Giffin’s best. Highly recommended! Thank you to Raincoast Books for providing me a copy of the book for review!

"In another surefire hit, [Giffin] serves up pathos, humor, and one doozy of a twist." -Entertainment Weekly"Sharply drawn characters and finely honed sensibility add up to a story that's as bittersweet as an August evening." -Family Circle"Book clubs will have a field day with this one. Thorny mother-daughter relationships and secrets we keep from loved ones burn up the pages." -USA Today"After five charming relationship-themed hits, Emily Giffin had a lot to live up to with WHERE WE BELONG. Luckily, the author executes with a thoughtful finesse that makes this easily her best work yet. [WHERE WE BELONG] is that special type of story that takes priority over getting to bed on time. And the payoff is well worth it. " -Boston Globe"Emily Giffin ranks as a grand master. Over the course of five best-selling novels, she has traversed the slippery slopes of true love, lost love, marriage, motherhood, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption that have led her to be called 'a modern-day Jane Austen.' With Giffin's use of humor, honesty, originality and, like Austen, a biting social commentary, this modern-day 'woman's novel' sits easily on nightstands and in beach bags. Even Austen would find it hard to put down." -Chicago Sun-Times"Emily Giffin's new novel about the legacy of adoption, WHERE WE BELONG, imagines what happens when an 18-year-old girl tracks down her birth mother.the latest in a string of provocative, imaginative novels that began in 2004 with SOMETHING BORROWED. All the characters [here] are on a journey to find 'where we belong,' and Giffin knits together their journeys with a masterly hand." -Seattle Times"Emily Giffin's WHERE WE BELONG is a literary Rorschach test. The book, while thoroughly entertaining, will also prod readers to examine choices they've made in their lives. It will compel them to muse about things they'd like to do over, to do differently, to do better.[and] gracefully examines themes of identity, family and forgiveness." -Miami Herald"Emily Giffin has a wonderful way with words. [WHERE WE BELONG] is an emotionally powerful story that will ring true with women who have given a child away and with those who grew up wondering where they came from. Giffin may be working with a premise and plot that is fairly simple, but there's nothing lightweight about the emotional turbulence she creates. " -Ft. Worth Star-Telegram"[Giffin] shows that real love is messy but meaningful in this delicious, easygoing read." -American Way"[Giffin's] novels present tough moral dilemmas all related to love. And her latest, WHERE WE BELONG, is no exception and perhaps her best yet.It's a classic Giffin tale, nuanced and messy and utterly addictive, with fully fleshed-out characters who face morally ambiguous choices that aren't resolved in neat bows." -Austin American-Statesman"A breezy, yet compelling read." -Atlanta Journal-Constitution"Emily Giffin is back with another must-read summer novel!" -Harper's Bazaar"The next must-read book of the summer!" -Star"WHERE WE BELONG is too suspenseful to be called chick lit and too relationship-centered to be labeled a thriller. But most readers will have little time to think of a genre for Emily Giffin's latest novel as they race through this gripping story about the reunion of a high school senior and the woman who put her up for adoption 18 years earlier. " -Connecticut Post"Giffin has a way of tugging on our heartstrings while still making us laugh out loud...[a] perfect recipe. " -Woman's World"Graceful and inviting prose, careful plotting and vivid characterizations.The coming together of two people who share a genetic heritage and little else is dramatically and emotionally risky. But Giffin makes the most of the opportunity, and WHERE WE BELONG had me riveted." -Winston-Salem Journal"The issue about secrets isn't about keeping them. It's the reveal and its consequences. That's the challenge faced by the characters in Emily Giffin's new, briskly paced.WHERE WE BELONG. Taking a somewhat more somber tone than she did in her [previous] bestselling novels, Giffin's approach and style mature in this latest effort. " -Philadelphia Inquirer"Breezy and fun, this is definitely one for the beach bag!" -All You magazine"Giffin's latest will make you shed a few tears - and call your mom. " -Ladies Home Journal"You're sure to spy lots of pale-orange book covers at the beach this summer, as Emily Giffin releases her latest in a series of successful reads. The book has heart, meat and realistic characters." -am New York"[WHERE WE BELONG] delivers the readable, addicting prose we have all come to love [but] delves deeper than ever before, showing that the author is capable of making her signature style work with topics beyond typical relationships. Through Marian, her daughter and the rest of those affected by Marian's decisions, the author beautifully tackles the complex issues of sex, abortion, adoption and the difficult decisions that go along with each." -Woodbury magazine"A satisfying and entertaining read. Giffin is a gifted storyteller [and] writes smart, snappy prose that elevates this novel. " -Vancouver Sun"Believable characters, [a] page-turning plot and [an] unblinking look at the choices we make as women. " -WeightWatchers magazine